Supermarket staff walk across fire to raise money for Cornwall Blind Association

Press Release January 12, 2011

Five brave women from Waitrose Saltash are bearing their soles, and taking on the huge challenge of walking across a fire pit to raise money for local charity, Cornwall Blind Association.

Firewalks are known for being fearsome inspirational journeys and it certainly is for the team who are supporting one of their colleagues who has a blind son. It is as the name suggests a bare footed walk over red-hot wood embers at 800 degrees. No tricks, no special effects, just the walker and the fire.

The event which is taking place at Saltash College also has teams from Lloyds TSB and the college itself all raising money to help Cornwall Blind Association continue their life changing work.

From counseling to benefits advice, the services that Cornwall Blind Association are open to the 10,500 visually impaired and blind people across the whole of Cornwall and their friends and family.

One of last year's participants, Paul Davies says about the event: "Walking across burning hot coals sounds like a ludicrous thing to do but it was an amazingly fun experience of mind over matter, a great personal achievement and gave me a warm feeling that I'd helped a good cause."

Debbie Henshaw, Community Events Fundraiser said: "This is a fantastic and daring way to raise funds for our Charity and we hugely appreciate how brave our supporters are who are taking part and we look forward to cheering them on January 28 at Saltash College."

The money raised goes directly into the Charity's For Sight Appeal, a fundraising drive that aims to create £500,000 a year.

There are still places for people to get involved if they wish to take on this challenging event and walk across hot coals for Cornwall Blind Association, just contact Debbie Henshaw on 01872 266709.

The event involves a two hour motivational and team building training session with fire walking coach, Cliff Mann.